Wales 28 man squad for Australia

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/15809004.stm

Wales coach Warren Gatland has named eight injured players in a 28-man squad for Australia's visit to the Millennium Stadium on 3 December.

Backs Jamie Roberts, George North, Rhys Preistland and Leigh Halfpenny are included despite fitness doubts.

So too are forwards Dan Lydiate, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris and Huw Bennett.

Pre-World Cup captain Matthew Rees returns after injury, but Sam Warburton retains the captaincy for a match that will end Shane Williams' Wales career.


Forwards: Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ryan Bevington, Scott Andrews, Lloyd Burns, Huw Bennett, Matthew Rees, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Ian Evans, Sam Warburton (captain), Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau, Ryan Jones

Backs: Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Shane Williams, George North, Alex Cuthbert, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams


...............................................

Good squad, especially if players can return from injury.


Return to the squad for Ian Evans and Dan Biggar

Newcomers are wingers Alex Cuthbert, Liam Williams and flanker Lewis Evans

Interesting to see that Brew is left out, as is Ken Owens and Jason Tovey

Liam Williams!! Blydi hell I know he's been playing well but that's a big surprise. Can see him getting time at FB. Chuffed for Sanjay, but a bit gutted as a Scarlet! everytime we find a new star, Wales pinch them away from us.

Great squad...!

Very happy to see Cuthbert and Liam Williams included.

Though incredibly surprised to see Biggar included ahead of Tovey.

rugbydreamer wrote:, but a bit gutted as a Scarlet! everytime we find a new star, Wales pinch them away from us.

That's how it works...!

yes but we really could have done with Sanjay over the next couple of games when we'd already be missing North, Tav, Rhys, Foxy and Scott. We shall just have to unearth another one I guess!

rugbydreamer wrote:Liam Williams!! Blydi hell I know he's been playing well but that's a big surprise. Can see him getting time at FB. Chuffed for Sanjay, but a bit gutted as a Scarlet! everytime we find a new star, Wales pinch them away from us.

Im not that surprised...

1. He did well in the HC, which is pretty close to international level
2. He is young, Gatland loves throwing in young wingers (see G.North, L.Halfpenny, K.Phillips, T.Prydie etc)
3. He plays fullback, we have nobody else who can play fullback bar Halfpenny.

Personally I think its good to see that Gatland is still looking to the young generation as he looks to fill in gaps in the squad.

Is this the end of Stephen Jones's Wales career ??

Not named for this game and Gatland has stated that he is now looking at 2015 and anyone not likely to be around will not be considered.

Is this the right approach? Or if someone is considered in the top 2 or 3 players then should they be in the squad regardless?


Bit concerned with the number of injuries we have picked up. 8 of this 28 squad are doubtful with injuries on top of all the other unavailable players.

Could be a difficult afternoon especially as Australia will only have a couple of players missing.

It could be, but it's also a chance to see how even more young players cope in the environment.

Wales606 - aye maybe not a surprise, perhaps a bit of wishful thinking on my part. It is fully deserved though, Sanjay's been on great form for us this season.

doctornickolas wrote:Is this the end of Stephen Jones's Wales career ??

Not named for this game and Gatland has stated that he is now looking at 2015 and anyone not likely to be around will not be considered.

Is this the right approach? Or if someone is considered in the top 2 or 3 players then should they be in the squad regardless?


Bit concerned with the number of injuries we have picked up. 8 of this 28 squad are doubtful with injuries on top of all the other unavailable players.

Could be a difficult afternoon especially as Australia will only have a couple of players missing.

Aus are missing a fair few player, hopefully, most of the injured players will be fit (AWJ is the only one who has no chance)

SJ has been freed by Wales to play for the Baabaas (if the Scarlets release him) - SJ wont make the next WC and we need to look for long term deputies for Priestland. The only problem is that there is now less experience in the squad, Preistland learnt a lot off SJ with the Scarlets and Wales.

Biggar ? Really ? He's far too inconsistent and doesn't handle pressure well. He looked like a jealous child when Morgan sorted over that brilliant penalty to draw the game for the Os. Tovey or Morgan should've been given a chance , don't know what Gats is thinking

I have just sold my ticket for this game for less than face value after seeing the squad. I think it's a really good squad in the main. I'm really pleased we've gone down the Liam Williams and Cuthbert route rather than Brew and Tom James for example. Why I sold my ticket however is Dan Biggar's selection. I cannot bring myself to support a team with him in it. He makes Dan Parks look talented. He is so bad it's untrue. Just when Wales look like thay are going to do something they handicap themselves. Steffan Jones and Jason Tovey are pushing each other to the limit to be selected at the Dragons atm and both are neglected for Biggar. In a friendly game to help us develop! Outrageous decision. I bet Gatland is itching to promote him ahed of Priestland too.

munkian wrote:Biggar ? Really ? He's far too inconsistent and doesn't handle pressure well. He looked like a jealous child when Morgan sorted over that brilliant penalty to draw the game for the Os. Tovey or Morgan should've been given a chance , don't know what Gats is thinking

Biggar is being given another chance, but to be honest, I cant see him handling it well - Tovey could adapt easily to international rugby, but we dont know, because Gatland has never played him.

The problem is that Tovey isnt a great place kicker (perhaps Halfpenny can take over?)

Tovey's a great place kicker I thought? I know he had a dodgy start to last season, but that was due to him adjusting his kicking technique isn't it?
Kicking is usually one of the strongest parts to his game I always thought.

rugbydreamer wrote:Tovey's a great place kicker I thought? I know he had a dodgy start to last season, but that was due to him adjusting his kicking technique isn't it?
Kicking is usually one of the strongest parts to his game I always thought.

He is a bit shaky and his place kicking can be poor

His kicking from hand is excellent though - when on form he is the best tactical kicker in Wales.

hmm well since he reverted back to his old kicking technique, I can't recall his place kicking being poor at all. Will have to watch him more closely.

rugbydreamer wrote:hmm well since he reverted back to his old kicking technique, I can't recall his place kicking being poor at all. Will have to watch him more closely.

To be honest, Priestland's place kicking wasnt great either - although it has improved under Neil Jenkins.

no it hasnt! Preistland came back from his first stint int he Wales camp, with a new kicking technique and he was dire! Priestland is as ever a confidence kicker. if he gets his first couple, then he's good to go. Difference now is that he doesn't wobble so much if he misses one. He's maturing well.

Toveys place kicking is usualy good. Like mentioned he messed around with his technique to try and increase distance on kicks but because he was injured during last pre season he had to try it out as the seaosn was underway. This year he is getting back to his best.

He looked like a jealous child when Morgan sorted over that brilliant penalty to draw the game for the Os.

Can some Ospreys fans shed some light on this, because I thought the same thing when I watched the highlights on S4C. Unless it was just the way the clip was edited? Was Biggar annoyed he was taken off or something?

Gutted Brew has been omitted. He played really well against Perp and he would have been familiar with all the structures and calls from his time at the WC. I think he is better than Cuthbert, not saying Cuthbert is bad just I would prefer Brew in my side over him.

Scott Andrews, Tavis Knoyle and Dan Biggar - why, just why?

Deserved call-ups for Ian Evans, Alex Cuthbert, Liam Williams and Lewis Evans. Note that I said in the last week all 4 would get called into the squad.

Although I agree with what your saying in terms of player selection, Brew omitted??? there's still 21 other players involved in that game you could go along and support! Add together some beer, great atmosphere and you could have a ruddy good time!

Impossible Standards wrote:

He looked like a jealous child when Morgan sorted over that brilliant penalty to draw the game for the Os.

Can some Ospreys fans shed some light on this, because I thought the same thing when I watched the highlights on S4C. Unless it was just the way the clip was edited? Was Biggar annoyed he was taken off or something?

I don't think he was too happy about it, which to be honest - is kind of fair enough. It was a bizarre choice to let Morgan have his HC debut in a last 10mins of a must-win game. He hadn't been playing that badly, and we were looking just as good with him as we were without him. He's been playing well this season and has all of the attributes to be a top 10 - perhaps just needs a few games like Priestland did to show it.

Lets not forget:
-He played 10 when the Ospreys won the ML, going away and winning in Dublin in the final.
-Man of the Match performances in the HC, noticeably when we went to Welford Road and got a draw.
-Still only 22!

Morgannwg wrote:Scott Andrews, Tavis Knoyle and Dan Biggar - why, just why?

Deserved call-ups for Ian Evans, Alex Cuthbert, Liam Williams and Lewis Evans. Note that I said in the last week all 4 would get called into the squad.

Scott Andrews - Adam has a niggle, Mitchell in England and James out injured. Who else will play tighthead?

also gutted at brew being ommitted, whats the guy done wrong? surprised at lewis evans, but another positive for the dragons as a region! also surprised by the number of injured players included, if players start dropping out who will replace them?

Adam Jones (calf) - rhys thomas?
Huw Bennett (neck) - ken owens?
Luke Charteris (wrist) - ???
Dan Lydiate (ankle) - mccusker?
Rhys Priestland (shoulder) - tovey
Jamie Roberts (knee) - hewitt?
George North (groin) - tom james?
Leigh Halfpenny (ankle) - ???

It's a one off, so we need onl y worry about the 22...

Adam Jones (calf) - Scott Andrews
Huw Bennett (neck) - Mathew Rees
Luke Charteris (wrist) - Bradley Davies
Dan Lydiate (ankle) - Ryan Jones
Rhys Priestland (shoulder) - Dan Biggar
Jamie Roberts (knee) - Scott Williams
George North (groin) - Alex Cuthbert
Leigh Halfpenny (ankle) - Liam Williams

fair point draigoch, was just wondering who people would like to see brought into the squad if injuries occur

oh and if north pulls out id like to see brew re-instated

Agreed RE: Brew, and I would like Tovey to be given a shot too...
All in good time I suppose.

I always worry about the full-back position - haven't seen much of Liam Williams, has he shown the levels of composure needed to be a fullback at international level?

To be honest , I'm glad the Dragons get to keep Brew if the Welsh camp don't appreciate his talents we certainly do

from what i saw of the highlights of the scarlets two h cup games hes playing very well

If worst comes to worst, and we lose all our players...we could be fielding...

Jenkins
Rees
Andrews
Davies
Evans
Jones
Warburton
Faletau

Williams
Biggar

Davies
Williams

Williams
Curthbert
Williams

I would worry for that side...

Draigoch wrote: If worst comes to worst, and we lose all our players...we could be fielding...

Jenkins
Rees
Andrews
Davies
Evans
Jones
Warburton
Faletau

Williams
Biggar

Davies
Williams

Williams
Curthbert
Williams

I would worry for that side...

Bradley needs to go up one notch - looked good for the blues since WC
Ian Evans - I would dearly love this guy to prove himself - may benefit from just being in the squad
Scott Andews - eek
Gethin - needs a stormer
matthew rees - will benefit from playing a chunky Saints front row
Ryan Jones - playing more like a 7 than a 6 - hmmm....
Toby - come on my boy
Warbs - time for redemption
Lloyd Williams - would be my first choice anyway

The rest of the backs look a bit light in experience and class

Draigoch wrote: If worst comes to worst, and we lose all our players...we could be fielding...

Jenkins
Rees
Andrews
Davies
Evans
Jones
Warburton
Faletau

Williams
Biggar

Davies
Williams

Williams
Curthbert
Williams

I would worry for that side...

If Tovey was in instead of Biggar I would worry less.

Draigoch wrote: If worst comes to worst, and we lose all our players...we could be fielding...

Jenkins
Rees
Andrews
Davies
Evans
Jones
Warburton
Faletau

Williams
Biggar

Davies
Williams

Williams
Curthbert
Williams

I would worry for that side...

I'd only worry about Biggar and Andrews

Very disappointed for Brew and Tovey, def think they should have been in the squad. Very suprised Gats has chosen so many doubtful players - he must be sure that the injuries aren't that bad.

It's going to be a blow for the Scarlets loosing Liam Williams on top of S WIlliams, J Davies and Knoyle - I just hope Gats doesn't treat him like Prydie/Phillips.

Think (and can't believe I'm saying this) I'd be more comfortable with R Thomas in the team than Andrews

I don't understand why he keeps picking Knoyle, he's in some terrible form at the moment, Wayne Evans could have been brought in on the bench, Lloyd Williams is the certain starter anyhow.

Or Webb. Thought he did well in Treviso.

I like knoyle, when he's on form

do you often refuse to go if you don't like who the coach picks? also Steffan Jones ahead of Biggar? Tovey I can understand, but Steffan Jones, really?

There's only 2 reasons I can think of - 1. He want's SH in there who has at least some int. experience - which Webb and Evans haven't got
and
2. Gatts likes picking the same players and likes to ignore others (Tovey/W Evans)

But saying that I do like Knoyle and think he brings a lot to the table - just at the moment he is in some terrible form

Gatts like to bring in one or 2 new players at a time

4 new players this time and you can expect 2 to figure, Ian Evans and Alex Cuthbert

Cuthbert and North on the wings makes my gussett tingle

Gatts wrote:Gatts like to bring in one or 2 new players at a time

4 new players this time and you can expect 2 to figure, Ian Evans and Alex Cuthbert

Cuthbert and North on the wings makes my gussett tingle

With Roberts and JD2 in the centres - They wont know who to tackle...

Smirnoffpriest wrote:There's only 2 reasons I can think of - 1. He want's SH in there who has at least some int. experience - which Webb and Evans haven't got
and
2. Gatts likes picking the same players and likes to ignore others (Tovey/W Evans)

But saying that I do like Knoyle and think he brings a lot to the table - just at the moment he is in some terrible form

Knoyle hasn't played enough to gain any form. Two and a half games since last season?

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Bradley Davies
5. Luke Charteris
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
9. Lloyd Williams
10. Rhys Preistland
11. Shane Williams
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathon Davies
14. George North
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Ryan Bevington
17. Huw Bennett
18. Ian Evans
19. Ryan Jones
20. Tavis Knoyle
21. Scott Williams
22. Alex Cuthbert


Not a bad team...

Biggar has had his chance before, this is his last one and better he be tried out now than in the 6Nations

No Turkster, not usually but this selection is a more than one man being selected. It shows a lack of ambition, a lack of sense, a lack of ruthlessness from the coach. It shows that you can play well for the Dragons or you can be rubbish but a darling at the ospreys and you'll be picked. Webb and Beck both at the ospreys should have been picked, but no it's Biggar.

On Steffan Jones. I get it. You dont see him much, he's young, he's struggling to breakthrough because Tovey is the poster boy for every Dragons campaign from selling shirts to selling tickets, but I see talent. And I want it being developed. If Steffan Jones was Australian they'd bring him on to be a James O'Connor. We will however turn him into a Matthew Jones. Lost.

Draigoch wrote:
Scott Andrews - Adam has a niggle, Mitchell in England and James out injured. Who else will play tighthead?

Would have opted for the mobile prop in Rhys Thomas. Or Aaron Jarvis who has looked very impressive whilst deputising for Adam Jones. Both players who have strengths to their game. What does Scott Andrews bring? He's probably the worst player in Wales since Sowden-Taylor.

Glad I'm not the only one to think this anyway. Wayne Evans or Rhys Webb, both in fine form. Scott Andrews can't do f*ck all and Biggar can't get his backline to go forward, so resorts to kicking it down field or drop-kicking it at goal and missing. These decisions do make you wonder.

Harry2899 wrote: If Steffan Jones was Australian they'd bring him on to be a James O'Connor. We will however turn him into a Matthew Jones. Lost.

That make very little sense?

Alex Cuthbert and Liam Williams have both been included and are both very young and promising.

Just because one youngster who has had little regional gametime and is not first choice at 15 or 10 for the big games doesn't get selected for Wales doesnt mean he is going to become Matthew Jones. JOC was first choice for his club before he became first choice for Australia (as was North for the Scarlets and Cuthbert for the Blues - and at the moment, Liam for the Scarlets)

Gatland wants to win this game, so I doubt Biggar will be coming off the bench if Preistland still has one working leg.

[quote="wales606"]

Harry2899 wrote: If Steffan Jones was Australian they'd bring him on to be a James O'Connor. We will however turn him into a Matthew Jones. Lost.

That make very little sense?

Alex Cuthbert and Liam Williams have both been included and are both very young and promising.


I praised the selections of Cuthbert and Williams. And how does it make no sense about Steffan Jones? Dragons clearly have two good fly halves. Cardiff have none. WRU needs to step in, send Parks home and Steffan Jones can play for the Blues.

What does Scott Andrews bring? He's probably the worst player in Wales since Sowden-Taylor.

I'm guessing he brings decent scrummaging, can't say for certain but if there's one textbook knee-jerk reaction it's comparing Andrews to RST. The problem here doesn't lie in performances nearly as woeful, it's the fact that Andrews has barely played at all. He's never been first choice at the Blues therefore nobody can really draw a solid conclusion on him for the time being. I agree though, I would have considered bringing Rhys Thomas instead.

The more Adam Jones is absent, the more it becomes clear he's the foundation of the scrum. Very under-appreciated recently, in that regard I'd say he's still the best scrummaging tighthead in Europe if not in world rugby. When he's not around we've been royally fooked up front. Somebody is going to have to step up in his place, that is one of the single most important objectives starting from now up to 2015.

Agree with Gatland's selections, can't see all of the 8 injured missing out, once they get training it'll be more clear how realistic their hopes are and leave time to replace those who can't make it.

Harry2899 wrote:No Turkster, not usually but this selection is a more than one man being selected. It shows a lack of ambition, a lack of sense, a lack of ruthlessness from the coach. It shows that you can play well for the Dragons or you can be rubbish but a darling at the ospreys and you'll be picked. Webb and Beck both at the ospreys should have been picked, but no it's Biggar.

On Steffan Jones. I get it. You dont see him much, he's young, he's struggling to breakthrough because Tovey is the poster boy for every Dragons campaign from selling shirts to selling tickets, but I see talent. And I want it being developed. If Steffan Jones was Australian they'd bring him on to be a James O'Connor. We will however turn him into a Matthew Jones. Lost.

I've seen Steffan Jones play, against Wasps the other week he looked good, but that was against a Wasps team without their world cup players, his other good performances were at full-back at the end of last season. While I acknowledge he looks a very good prospect and I also don't particularly like Dan Biggar, I can't see why he should get in ahead of Biggar or Tovey in the Wales reckoning. Steffan Jones going to Cardiff isn't possible until next season anyway and what if neither party wants it? As for Gatland's perceived lack of ambition, what about Liam Williams being selected after just 2 games at fullback?